Foreign reports indicate that a large US Air Force strike package launched on the night of May 4, 2026, was en route to attack targets in Iran—but received a last-minute abort order while flying over Iraq.
According to the reports, the aircraft took off primarily from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and additional regional bases. The formation headed east toward Iran before abruptly turning back over western Iraq following a cancellation order tied to last-minute diplomatic efforts, including messages relayed via Qatar and Pakistan.
The strike package was reportedly one of the largest assembled in the region since the conflict escalated in February. It included dozens of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 fighter jets, alongside advanced F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft. Supporting them were at least 14 aerial refueling tankers (KC-135 and KC-46), as well as EA-18G Growler jets designed to disrupt Iranian air defenses.
The mission was reportedly aborted at a critical moment due to several converging factors. These included a last-minute Iranian message suggesting flexibility regarding the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying strikes on energy infrastructure, as well as heavy pressure from regional allies concerned about a wider war. In Washington, Donald Trump is said to have opted to allow additional time for negotiations while maintaining credible military pressure.
